Himalayan 100 Mile Stage Race

Day 4, 13 miles from Rimbik to Palmajua

Anne-Marie Dunhill / 09.11.2012

After yesterdays grinding marathon down from Sandakphu, the small town of Rimbik was a n oasis for worn runners and walkers. Certain aspects of day to day life that one takes for granted in India, such as the sound of dogs barking, had been absent at the high altitude and the senses were quickly overwhelmed with the smells, sounds and sights of dropping back down in altitude. Participants were split between two lodges and after the frugal style in Sandakphu the cold beers, hot showers and warm weather of Rimbik were greeted with yelps of joy. That which most take for granted back home were savored with infinite pleasure.

The 09:00 race start was the latest it has been so far and racers had a chance for a good lie-in. Most were unable to enjoy the opportunity, programmed as they’ve become to the 05:00 breakfasts and 06:00 race starts of the previous days. However a few were up before sunrise and could be seen doing yoga sun salutations as the glowing orange red ball rose over the Himalayas. The views at supper had been equally magical as racers dinned by candlelight under the moon and across the ravine tiny lights of habitation twinkled in the dark like thousands of fairy lights.

After the ritual daily group photo, this time on the lawns of the Tenzing lodge, the race director Mr. Pandey started the race. It was a steep descent on paved roads, with racers dropping down to 4975 feet. There was a relatively flat section above the river and once racers had crossed the wooden bridge they began a steep ascent up to Palmajua, culminating at 6560 feet.